GAIA 36
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 36 ft |
| LWL | 25.5 ft |
| Beam | 9.67 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 15,400 lb |
| Ballast | 7,800.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.8 kn |
About the GAIA 36
Based on 'Hestia', a successful racer under the RORC rule.(S&S#1478) This was the first production version of this design. There were a number of other later variants including the SWAN 36, and the SIGMA 36 by Cheoy Lee.
The GAIA 36 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Benello (ITA) in 1965, with only 19 hulls constructed. Its substantial displacement of 15400.0 lb and high comfort ratio of 40.45 reflect a design prioritizing seakeeping and stability over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater passagemakers who value comfort and stability, as evidenced by the high prevalence of solar panel (54 mentions) and watermaker (12 mentions) installations for self-sufficiency.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.56 and a displacement/length ratio of 414.62, the GAIA 36 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages, though its age requires rigorous structural verification.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other Sparkman & Stephens designs from the mid-1960s such as the Tartan 36 or O'Day 36, the GAIA 36 shares a similar heavy-displacement, fin-keel philosophy aimed at offshore durability rather than racing performance.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the GAIA 36 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 36ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
12 reported issues across 8 systems for the GAIA 36, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a GAIA 36? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 12 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your GAIA 36?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Universal, Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the GAIA 36
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…